East Africa’s healthcare sector is moving beyond digital health pilots towards wider implementation, with healthcare providers increasingly adopting AI-supported diagnostics, telemedicine, hospital management systems and connected medical devices to improve access, efficiency and continuity of care.

Governments and healthcare institutions across the region are investing in interoperable systems, digital claims platforms and data-driven healthcare, creating new opportunities for technology companies, distributors and investors.

According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), digitalisation could contribute an estimated KES19 billion to Kenya’s economy by 2028. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that only around 30 per cent of telemedicine projects in Africa are currently implemented, highlighting significant room for wider deployment.

Against this backdrop, World Health Expo (WHX) 2026 will bring together healthcare technology providers, hospital decision-makers, distributors and investors at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi from September 16 to 18.

More than 5,500 attendees and over 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries are expected at the three-day event, which will provide a platform for healthcare stakeholders to explore emerging technologies and procurement opportunities.

Dr Anne Musuva, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Healthcare Federation, said Kenya’s digital health reforms are creating opportunities to improve access, efficiency and quality of healthcare.

Kenya’s digital health agenda is increasingly moving from policy development to implementation. The Digital Health Act, 2023, established the Digital Health Agency and provides a framework for integrated health information systems, digital services and health data governance.

The Ministry of Health is advancing several digital initiatives, including the Health Information Exchange, electronic claims processing, the SHA Registration Portal, AfyaYangu and digital hospital management systems.

For hospitals, the focus is increasingly shifting towards technology capable of delivering practical and measurable value.

AI-powered solutions can support medical imaging and laboratory decision-making, while electronic medical records can improve continuity of care by making patient information more accessible across healthcare settings.

Hospital management systems can also strengthen patient flow, claims processing, inventory control and resource planning, helping facilities improve operational efficiency while managing growing demand.

The regional opportunity extends beyond Kenya. Ethiopia’s Digital Health Blueprint 2021–2030 prioritises interoperability, digital infrastructure and data use, while Ethiopia Health Connect is expected to expand teleconsultation and digital health services to more than 30 million people.

However, infrastructure remains a major consideration for digital health adoption across East Africa.

Unreliable electricity, limited access to devices and inadequate broadband connectivity continue to affect the deployment of digital healthcare solutions. Technology providers able to offer systems that operate effectively with variable bandwidth, support offline workflows, integrate with national platforms and protect patient data could therefore be better positioned to serve the regional market.

Data protection is also becoming increasingly important as healthcare institutions digitise sensitive patient information and connect different systems.

The investment environment is developing alongside the sector’s digital transformation. Briter data cited in a 2026 regional health-tech review shows that East African startups attracted USD865 million between January and August 2025, with approximately USD150 million going to health technology.

Now in its 10th edition, WHX Nairobi is being held under the patronage of Kenya’s Ministry of Health. The event will feature eight product sectors, including IT and digital health solutions.

The exhibition will connect healthcare leaders with providers of AI diagnostics, electronic medical records, hospital management systems, telemedicine platforms, connected devices and health-data tools.

Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director – Healthcare at Informa Markets, said the event comes at a critical time for Kenya’s healthcare technology market.

“Kenya’s healthcare sector is rapidly adopting digital solutions, and September marks a key moment for the market,” said Coleman.

“WHX in Nairobi brings together AI diagnostics, telemedicine platforms and hospital technology providers with healthcare leaders during a procurement period.”

As healthcare providers increasingly assess technology based on its ability to address practical challenges, WHX Nairobi is expected to provide a platform for buyers, suppliers and investors to explore solutions supporting East Africa’s transition towards more connected, data-driven and digitally enabled healthcare systems.